Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method in a network to address a probe trailer received out of order in a process to dynamically adjust a maximum transmission unit (MTU), the method comprising: transmitting from a first network node a first path MTU probe packet having a sequence number set to zero and with padding to meet a packet length according to a selected MTU and allowing the first path MTU probe packet to be fragmented if the packet is too large; after said first transmitting step, transmitting from the first network node a first path MTU probe trailer only packet having a packet length significantly smaller than the selected MTU; at a second network node, receiving the first path MTU probe trailer only packet and transmitting a path MTU received probe trailer only packet to the first network node; receiving, at the first network node and from the second network node the path MTU received probe trailer only packet and transitioning to a state associated with the first path MTU probe packet was dropped; at the second network node, after receiving the first path MTU probe trailer only packet, receiving the first path MTU probe packet, in response to the sequence number being set to zero, refraining from using the first path MTU probe packet in determining packet loss or retransmission, and transmitting a path MTU received probe trailer only packet to the first network node; at the first network node, after receiving the path MTU received probe trailer only packet, receiving from the second network node a path MTU received probe packet and transitioning to the state associated with the first path MTU probe packet was received; and at the first network node, determining that an IP datagram size of the path MTU received probe packet is the same as the selected MTU and less than a maximum probing MTU, and, in response, increasing the MTU and transmitting, from the first network node, a second path MTU probe packet having an IP datagram size equal to the increased MTU.
Network communication. This invention addresses the problem of out-of-order probe packets in a process for dynamically adjusting the Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) of a network path. The method involves a first network node sending a probe packet with a sequence number of zero and padded to a selected MTU, allowing fragmentation. Subsequently, the first node sends a small probe trailer-only packet. A second network node receives this trailer-only packet and sends a confirmation back. Upon receiving this confirmation, the first node initially assumes the first probe packet was dropped. However, if the second node later receives the initial probe packet (identified by its zero sequence number), it refrains from using it for loss determination and sends another confirmation. Upon receiving this second confirmation, the first node updates its state to indicate the initial probe packet was received. The first node then compares the IP datagram size of the received probe packet with the selected MTU. If they match and are below a maximum probing MTU, the MTU is increased, and a new probe packet with the increased MTU is transmitted.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising: upon receiving from the second network node the first path MTU probe trailer only packet, adjusting the MTU down from a maximum value; and upon receiving from the second network node the path MTU received probe packet, adjusting the MTU back up to the maximum value.
This invention relates to network communication protocols, specifically methods for dynamically adjusting the Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) in a network path between two nodes. The problem addressed is the inefficiency and potential packet fragmentation that occurs when the MTU is set incorrectly, either too high or too low, leading to performance degradation or unnecessary overhead. The method involves a first network node sending a probe packet with a trailer to a second network node to determine the optimal MTU for the path. The trailer is designed to trigger a "packet too big" response if the MTU is exceeded. If the second node receives the probe packet without fragmentation, it sends a confirmation back to the first node. The first node then adjusts the MTU downward from a maximum value if the probe trailer is received, indicating the path can handle larger packets. Conversely, if the probe packet is received without the trailer, the first node adjusts the MTU upward back to the maximum value, confirming the path supports the larger size. This dynamic adjustment ensures efficient packet transmission without unnecessary fragmentation or wasted bandwidth. The method is particularly useful in networks with variable path MTUs, such as those involving multiple hops or heterogeneous devices.
3. The method of claim 2 further comprising: utilizing the maximum value of the MTU during operational communication between the first node to the second node.
This invention relates to network communication systems, specifically optimizing data transmission between network nodes. The problem addressed is inefficient data transfer due to mismatched Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) settings, which can lead to packet fragmentation, increased latency, and reduced throughput. The invention involves a method for determining and utilizing an optimal MTU value between two network nodes. Initially, a first node sends a probe packet to a second node with a specified MTU value. The second node responds with an acknowledgment indicating whether the probe packet was successfully received. If the packet is received without fragmentation, the MTU value is incremented for subsequent probes until fragmentation occurs. The smallest MTU value that avoids fragmentation is identified as the optimal MTU for communication between the nodes. This optimal MTU is then used during operational communication to maximize data transfer efficiency. The method ensures that the largest possible packet size is used without causing fragmentation, thereby improving network performance. The process dynamically adjusts the MTU based on real-time network conditions, ensuring compatibility with varying network configurations and reducing the need for manual configuration. This approach is particularly useful in environments where network paths may change or where devices have different MTU capabilities.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein a transport protocol allocates zero as an unused sequence number.
A system and method for managing sequence numbers in a transport protocol to improve data transmission efficiency. The transport protocol assigns sequence numbers to data packets to ensure reliable delivery and ordering. However, some sequence numbers may remain unused, leading to inefficiencies in packet transmission and processing. The invention addresses this by allocating zero as an unused sequence number, allowing the protocol to optimize sequence number assignment and reduce overhead. This method ensures that sequence numbers are used more effectively, minimizing wasted resources and improving transmission performance. The protocol may also include mechanisms for detecting and handling lost or out-of-order packets, ensuring reliable data delivery. By designating zero as an unused sequence number, the system avoids conflicts and ensures smooth operation. The method may be applied in various network protocols, including TCP/IP, to enhance efficiency and reliability in data communication.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein a retransmission of the first path MTU probe packet is triggered upon receiving the path MTU received probe trailer only packet.
A method for optimizing network communication involves detecting and adjusting the Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) size along a network path. The method addresses the problem of packet fragmentation and inefficient data transmission by dynamically probing and updating the MTU size based on network conditions. The process begins by sending a probe packet with a specific MTU size along a network path. If the probe packet is fragmented or lost, the method detects this and adjusts the MTU size accordingly. The method also includes a retransmission mechanism triggered by receiving a probe trailer-only packet, which indicates that the original probe packet was fragmented or lost. This ensures reliable MTU discovery and prevents unnecessary retransmissions. The method further includes mechanisms for handling multiple probe packets, tracking their transmission and reception, and dynamically updating the MTU size based on the results. This approach improves network efficiency by minimizing fragmentation and retransmissions, leading to faster and more reliable data transmission.
6. The method of claim 5 further comprising: ignoring reception of a subsequent path MTU received probe packet.
A method for network communication involves managing the processing of path maximum transmission unit (MTU) probe packets in a network. The method addresses the problem of inefficient handling of redundant MTU probe packets, which can consume unnecessary network resources and processing time. When a network device receives a probe packet indicating a path MTU, the method includes a step of ignoring subsequent probe packets that also indicate the same or a similar path MTU. This prevents redundant processing of identical or near-identical MTU information, improving network efficiency. The method may also involve determining whether the received probe packet contains valid or updated MTU information before deciding whether to process it. By selectively ignoring redundant probe packets, the method reduces unnecessary overhead in network communication, particularly in environments where multiple devices may send similar MTU probe packets. The technique is applicable in various network protocols, including those used in packet-switched networks, to optimize performance and resource utilization.
7. A computer readable non-transitory medium storing a computer program which causes a computer system to perform a method in a network to address a probe trailer received out of order in a process to dynamically adjust a maximum transmission unit (MTU), the method comprising: transmitting from a first network node a first path MTU probe packet having a sequence number set to zero and with padding to meet a packet length according to a selected MTU and allowing the first path MTU probe packet to be fragmented if the packet is too large; after said first transmitting step, transmitting from the first network node a path MTU probe trailer only packet having a packet length significantly smaller than the selected MTU; at a second network node, receiving the path MTU probe trailer only packet and transmitting a path MTU received probe trailer only packet to the first network node; at the second network node, after receiving the path MTU probe trailer only packet, receiving the first path MTU probe packet, in response to the sequence number being set to zero, refraining from using the first path MTU probe packet in determining packet loss or retransmission, and transmitting a path MTU received probe trailer only packet to the first network node; at the first network node, receiving from the second network node the path MTU received probe trailer only packet and transitioning to a state associated with the first path MTU probe packet was dropped; at the first network node, after receiving the path MTU received probe trailer only packet, receiving from the second node a path MTU received probe packet and transitioning to the state associated with the first path MTU probe packet was received; and at the first network node, determining that an IP datagram size of the path MTU received probe packet is the same as the selected MTU and less than a maximum probing MTU, and, in response, increasing the MTU and transmitting, from the first network node, a second path MTU probe packet having an IP datagram size equal to the increased MTU.
This invention relates to network communication protocols for dynamically adjusting the maximum transmission unit (MTU) in a network. The problem addressed is the handling of out-of-order probe trailers during MTU discovery, which can lead to incorrect packet loss detection or retransmission. The solution involves a method to ensure proper MTU adjustment even when probe packets and trailers arrive out of order. The method begins by transmitting a first path MTU probe packet from a first network node, with a sequence number set to zero and padding to match a selected MTU. This packet may be fragmented if too large. A smaller path MTU probe trailer-only packet is then sent. At a second network node, the trailer-only packet is received and acknowledged with a path MTU received probe trailer-only packet. If the first probe packet arrives later with a sequence number of zero, the second node refrains from using it for packet loss or retransmission checks and sends another acknowledgment. The first node, upon receiving the trailer acknowledgment, assumes the probe packet was dropped. If the first node later receives the probe packet acknowledgment, it transitions to a state indicating the probe was received. If the probe packet's IP datagram size matches the selected MTU and is below a maximum probing MTU, the MTU is increased, and a second probe packet is transmitted with the new MTU. This ensures accurate MTU discovery even with out-of-order packets.
8. A computer readable non-transitory medium of claim 7 further comprising: upon receiving from the second network node the first path MTU probe trailer only packet, adjusting the MTU down from a maximum value; and upon receiving from the second network node the path MTU received probe packet, adjusting the MTU back up to the maximum value.
This invention relates to network communication protocols, specifically methods for dynamically adjusting the Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) size in packet-switched networks to optimize data transfer efficiency. The problem addressed is the inefficiency and potential packet fragmentation that occurs when fixed MTU settings do not account for varying network conditions or path characteristics between nodes. The invention involves a system where a first network node communicates with a second network node to determine and adjust the optimal MTU size. The first node sends a path MTU probe trailer-only packet to the second node, which, if received, indicates that the current MTU is too large, prompting the first node to reduce the MTU from its maximum value. Conversely, if the second node sends a path MTU received probe packet in response, the first node interprets this as confirmation that the maximum MTU can be maintained or restored. This dynamic adjustment process ensures that the MTU is continuously optimized for the network path, minimizing fragmentation and improving throughput. The method is implemented using a computer-readable non-transitory medium, such as firmware or software, that executes the MTU adjustment logic. The solution is particularly useful in environments with variable network conditions, such as wireless or heterogeneous networks, where static MTU settings are suboptimal.
9. The computer readable non-transitory medium of claim 8 further comprising: utilizing the maximum value of the MTU during operational communication between the first node to the second node.
A system and method optimize network communication by dynamically adjusting the Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) size between network nodes. The invention addresses inefficiencies in data transmission caused by fixed or improperly configured MTU settings, which can lead to packet fragmentation, retransmissions, and reduced throughput. The solution involves determining the optimal MTU value for a communication path between a first node and a second node, then applying this value during operational data exchange. The process includes probing the network path to identify the maximum supported MTU size, which may vary due to intermediate devices or link characteristics. Once determined, this value is used to configure the MTU for subsequent transmissions, ensuring efficient packet handling without fragmentation. The system may also account for changes in network conditions by periodically reassessing the optimal MTU. This approach improves data transfer reliability and performance by minimizing packet loss and retransmissions, particularly in heterogeneous networks with diverse MTU constraints. The solution is implemented in software stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, enabling deployment across various networked devices.
10. The computer readable non-transitory medium of claim 7 wherein a transport protocol allocates zero as an unused sequence number.
A system and method for managing sequence numbers in a transport protocol to improve data transmission efficiency. The invention addresses the problem of inefficient sequence number allocation in network communication protocols, which can lead to unnecessary overhead and reduced performance. The solution involves a transport protocol that explicitly designates zero as an unused sequence number, preventing it from being assigned to data packets. This ensures that sequence numbers are used more effectively, reducing the likelihood of collisions or misinterpretations during transmission. The protocol may also include mechanisms for dynamically adjusting sequence number ranges based on network conditions or application requirements. Additionally, the system may monitor sequence number usage to optimize allocation and detect potential issues such as sequence number exhaustion or misalignment. By reserving zero as an unused value, the protocol avoids potential conflicts and ensures smoother data flow in network communications. This approach is particularly useful in high-throughput environments where efficient sequence number management is critical for maintaining performance and reliability.
11. A computer readable non-transitory medium of claim 7 wherein a retransmission of the first path MTU probe packet is triggered upon receiving the path MTU received probe trailer only packet.
A system and method for optimizing network communication by dynamically adjusting the Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) size based on path MTU probe packets. The technology addresses inefficiencies in network data transmission where packets are fragmented or lost due to mismatched MTU sizes between network nodes. The solution involves sending a probe packet with a specific MTU size along a network path and analyzing the response to determine the optimal MTU for reliable transmission. The system detects whether the probe packet is successfully received or if it is fragmented, allowing for real-time adjustments to the MTU size. If the probe packet is fragmented, the system triggers a retransmission of the probe packet with a reduced MTU size to ensure proper delivery. The method includes monitoring for a received probe trailer-only packet, which indicates that the original probe packet was fragmented. Upon detecting such a trailer-only packet, the system initiates a retransmission of the probe packet with an adjusted MTU size to avoid fragmentation. This dynamic adjustment improves network efficiency by minimizing packet loss and reducing the need for retransmissions, enhancing overall data transfer performance.
12. The computer readable non-transitory medium of claim 7 further comprising: ignoring reception of a subsequent path MTU received probe packet.
A system and method for network communication involves managing packet transmission unit (MTU) discovery in a network environment. The technology addresses the problem of inefficient or redundant MTU probe packet processing, which can lead to unnecessary network traffic and processing overhead. The invention includes a mechanism for handling received probe packets used to determine the maximum transmission unit (MTU) size along a network path. Specifically, the system is configured to ignore subsequent MTU probe packets after an initial probe packet has been received. This prevents redundant processing of duplicate or follow-up probe packets, optimizing network performance by reducing unnecessary packet handling. The method involves detecting the reception of an MTU probe packet, storing information about the received probe, and then filtering out any subsequent probe packets related to the same MTU discovery process. This ensures that only the first relevant probe packet is processed, while subsequent packets are discarded, thereby improving efficiency in network communication protocols. The invention is particularly useful in environments where multiple MTU probes may be generated, such as in dynamic or high-traffic networks.
13. A method in a network node to dynamically adjust a maximum transmission unit (MTU), the method comprising: transmitting a path MTU probe packet with padding to meet a packet length according to a selected MTU and allowing the path MTU probe packet to be fragmented if the packet is too large; subsequent to transmitting the path MTU probe packet, transmitting a path MTU probe trailer packet having a packet length significantly smaller than the selected MTU, the path MTU probe trailer packet having a current multi-bit discovery instance, wherein the current multi-bit discovery instance comprises a value that identifies a current instance of an MTU probing process and that is incremented each time a new instance of the MTU probing process begins; receiving a path MTU received probe trailer only packet in response to a subsequent MTU discovery probe; comparing a value of a multi-bit discovery instance field for said received path MTU received probe trailer only packet with the current multi-bit discovery instance field; in response to determining that the value of the multi-bit discovery instance field for said received oath MTU received probe trailer only packet matches the current multi-bit discovery instance field, adjusting the MTU down; and in response to determining that the value of the multi-bit discovery instance field for said received oath MTU received probe trailer only packet does not match the current multi-bit discovery instance field, ignoring the received oath MTU received probe trailer only packet.
In the field of network communication, the invention addresses the challenge of dynamically adjusting the maximum transmission unit (MTU) to optimize data packet transmission across networks. The method involves a network node dynamically probing and adjusting the MTU to prevent packet fragmentation and improve efficiency. The process begins by transmitting a path MTU probe packet with padding to meet a selected MTU size, allowing fragmentation if the packet exceeds the network's capacity. Following this, a smaller path MTU probe trailer packet is sent, containing a multi-bit discovery instance value that identifies the current probing process and increments with each new instance. The network node then receives a response packet in the form of a path MTU received probe trailer only packet during subsequent MTU discovery probes. The received packet's multi-bit discovery instance value is compared to the current instance value. If they match, the MTU is adjusted downward to prevent fragmentation. If they do not match, the received packet is ignored, ensuring only relevant data influences MTU adjustments. This method ensures accurate and efficient MTU discovery by distinguishing between current and outdated probing instances, reducing unnecessary adjustments and improving network performance.
14. The method of claim 13 further comprising: discarding said received oath MTU received probe trailer only packet if the value of the multi-bit discovery instance field does not match the current multi-bit discovery instance.
The invention relates to network communication protocols, specifically methods for handling packet transmissions in a network to ensure reliable and efficient data exchange. The problem addressed involves managing packet transmissions in a network where packets may be discarded if they do not conform to expected parameters, such as a discovery instance field that does not match the current instance. This can lead to unnecessary packet loss and inefficiencies in network communication. The method involves receiving a probe trailer-only packet, which is a type of packet used in network discovery processes. The packet includes a multi-bit discovery instance field, which is a value used to track the current state of a discovery process. The method compares the value of this field in the received packet with the current discovery instance value maintained by the network device. If the values do not match, the packet is discarded to prevent processing outdated or irrelevant data. This ensures that only packets relevant to the current discovery process are processed, improving network efficiency and reducing unnecessary traffic. The method is part of a broader approach to managing network discovery processes, where packets are validated based on their discovery instance field before further processing. This helps maintain synchronization between network devices and ensures that only valid packets are used in the discovery process. The method is particularly useful in environments where multiple discovery instances may occur, such as in dynamic or frequently changing network topologies. By discarding mismatched packets, the method helps maintain the integrity and reliability of the discovery process.
15. The method of claim 13 further comprising incrementing the current multi-bit discovery instance each time a probe not running state is exited.
A method for managing discovery instances in a networked system involves tracking the operational state of probes and updating a multi-bit discovery instance counter. The system includes multiple probes that periodically transition between running and non-running states. The method monitors these state changes and increments a counter each time a probe exits a non-running state. The counter is a multi-bit value that tracks the number of discovery instances, where each instance represents a cycle of probe activity. The method ensures that the counter accurately reflects the number of times probes have transitioned from an inactive to an active state, providing a record of discovery cycles. This approach helps in monitoring probe performance, detecting anomalies, and maintaining synchronization across the network. The counter is reset or adjusted based on predefined conditions, such as system reboots or manual interventions, to ensure accurate tracking. The method is particularly useful in systems where probes are used for network discovery, diagnostics, or data collection, where tracking state transitions is critical for system reliability and performance.
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November 10, 2020
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